Clarke called Watson a "cancer": Reports

Even as David Warner claimed he felt partly guilty for Mickey Arthur's sacking as Australia coach 16 days ahead of the Ashes, explosive revelations about team disharmony threaten to rip the side into two halves.

Arthur, who is suing Cricket Australia to the tune of $4 million, lodged a statement of claim in a Melbourne court. The documents, according to a Channel Seven report, reveal that skipper Michael Clarke apparently described teammate Shane Watson as a "cancer" on the Australian cricket team.

Watson, who stepped down as vice-captain in April, was among four players suspended for a Test match in India earlier this year, for failing to turn in a presentation to the captain and coach in the aftermath of the team's poor showing in the first two matches.

Watson and Clarke, reportedly, do not see eye-to-eye and the former was even contemplating hanging up his boots in Test cricket before he returned to India in time for the fourth Test.

Arthur's documents also reveal that it was Watson who tipped off the former coach about Warner's punch on Joe Root at a bar in Edgbaston. Warner was subsequently sensationally ditched just days out from the first Ashes Test, apparently paying the price for a 4-0 Test series loss in India, a poor Champions Trophy campaign and a lack of player discipline.

The report also said that Arthur's statement revealed how he was discriminated against in the Australian set up because he was a South African. Arthur, who claimed he had become "meat in the sandwich" in the tussle between Clarke and Watson, said he was not supported by Cricket Australia in the wake of the player suspensions in India in March.

CA's general manager legal and business affairs Dean Kino was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald: "We're disappointed that it's come to this position. CA is quite clear on its position on this matter and I'm sure it will get resolved in the appropriate fashion."

Warner had admitted he is devastated by the idea that his off-field behaviour may have played a part in the sacking of Arthur.

"It was probably another thing that was gutting, that I may have played a part in that," Warner said on Monday.

When cricket lovers wake on Thursday, they will be consumed with excitement. A concoction of nerves, energy and enthusiasm overcome in readiness for the first day of the Australian Test summer. For Australian and English supporters, there is extra emotion attached for an Ashes series.

Australia captain Michael Clarke was a relieved man after hitting his 8th ODI century in an 88-run win over England at Old Trafford as he played a key role in his first victory over a Test nation in seven months.